It's hard to steal something that was free, but the Sixers might have done just that with Tony Wroten.

When Wroten was acquired from Memphis this past offseason, it was in exchange for a draft pick that many people believe will never actually be sent over. The Grizzlies basically gave the Sixers Wroten, giving up on the former-first round pick just one year into his NBA career.

After Wednesday night, it's hard to believe they don't regret it.

Wroten recorded a triple-double in his first career start in the Sixers win over the Rockets, marking yet another solid performance for the backup point guard. Despite playing just 23 minutes per game this season, Wroten is averaging 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. He is one of the best athletes on the team, and while his shot steal needs some work, he is displaying the kind of all-around game that made him a first round pick.

His real value, however, can't be seen on the stat sheet.

Through nine-games for the Sixers, Wroten has proven to be one of the surprising vocal leaders on this young team, something he promised he would be.

"My experiences in Memphis, I want to share those with these young guys," Wroten said prior to the season. "Show them what it takes to win."

Those kind of statements are usually saved for season veterans, players who are brought in just to help young players. Which makes the fact that 20-year old Wroten not only said it surprising, but the fact that he has backed it up shocking as well.

Wroten is routinely the first one off the bench to greet his teammates during time outs, was thrown out of a game for sticking up for Michael Carter-Williams, and is without question the spark-plug off the bench that has been key in almost all of the Sixers victories.

Even his formation of Team WHOP, a group he has created amongst the younger players on the team, gives a slight peak into the leader he has become in just over two months in Philadelphia.

Which is why it wasn't surprising to hear Wroten be the first one from the Sixers locker room to say he thinks this team could make the playoffs. Wroten gives this team the irrational confidence it has played with so far, and in many ways, the Sixers have taken on Wroten's personality.

Wroten's development is without a doubt a positive for the Sixers, whose offseason plan was built around collecting as much potential as possible and hoping one or two of the players made good on it. There has been signs from other players- like James Anderson and Daniel Orton- but Wroten is the first one to truly payoff for the Sixers.

The Sixers have taken notice, as they decided to pick up the third-year option on Wroten's contract prior to the start of this season.

Getting Wroten for free from the Grizzlies? That was a steal.

Getting Wroten next season at $1.5 million with a year of playing under his belt? That's going to be highway robbery.